NIH awards $11.2M for cancer preventive agent research, spanning 8 years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,206,959 ($11.2M)
Contractor: University of Alabama AT Birmingham
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2004-04-30
End Date: 2012-10-31
Contract Duration: 3,106 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PRECLINICAL IN VITRO AND IN VIVO SCREENING ASSAYS FOR CANCER PREVENTIVE AGENT DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: BIRMINGHAM, JEFFERSON County, ALABAMA, 35294
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $11.2 million to UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM for work described as: PRECLINICAL IN VITRO AND IN VIVO SCREENING ASSAYS FOR CANCER PREVENTIVE AGENT DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Significant investment in early-stage cancer research. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting market-driven pricing. 3. Long contract duration (8 years) may indicate complex, ongoing research needs. 4. Focus on preclinical screening aligns with foundational R&D efforts.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development where costs are reimbursed but no profit is made. This suggests a focus on research execution rather than profit maximization.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair value.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is taxpayer-beneficial as it drives efficiency and potentially lower costs through market forces.
Public Impact
Supports critical early-stage research for cancer prevention. Potential for future breakthroughs in cancer treatment and prevention strategies. Investment in scientific advancement and public health initiatives. Long-term commitment to a specific research area.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or evolving research needs.
- Cost-reimbursement contracts require diligent oversight to manage expenses.
Positive Signals
- Focus on a critical public health issue (cancer prevention).
- Full and open competition ensures broad market participation.
- Investment in R&D aligns with national scientific goals.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and long-term economic growth, often characterized by long project timelines and significant upfront investment.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'COST NO FEE' contract type necessitates robust oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure research objectives are met efficiently and funds are used appropriately.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration (8 years) may present challenges in adapting to evolving research landscapes.
- Cost-reimbursement contracts require diligent monitoring to prevent cost overruns.
- Dependence on preclinical results for future development pathways.
- Potential for research findings to be non-conclusive or not translate to clinical success.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, al, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $11.2 million to UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM. PRECLINICAL IN VITRO AND IN VIVO SCREENING ASSAYS FOR CANCER PREVENTIVE AGENT DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-04-30. End: 2012-10-31.
What is the expected long-term impact of this research on cancer prevention strategies?
The long-term impact hinges on the success of the preclinical screening assays. If successful, this research could identify novel agents that significantly reduce cancer incidence or progression, leading to improved public health outcomes and potentially lower healthcare costs associated with cancer treatment.
How effectively were costs managed over the 8-year duration of this contract?
Given the 'COST NO FEE' structure, effective cost management relies heavily on the oversight provided by the National Institutes of Health. Regular reviews of expenditures against research milestones would be crucial to ensure taxpayer funds were utilized efficiently and that the project remained within budget expectations.
Does the identified research area align with current national priorities for cancer research?
Yes, cancer prevention is a consistent national priority. Research into novel preventive agents is fundamental to reducing the burden of cancer. The focus on preclinical screening suggests alignment with the early stages of the drug development pipeline, which is a critical area for advancing new therapies.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation ID: N01CN2502676
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: THE University of Alabama System (UEI: 808245794)
Address: 701 20TH ST SOUTH AB 990, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35294
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,335,327
Exercised Options: $23,327,733
Current Obligation: $11,206,959
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-04-30
Current End Date: 2012-10-31
Potential End Date: 2012-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-04-29
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